'Gujarat Gaurav' as prestigious as Dada Saheb Phalke award: Patel

Mumbai, Jan 6 (UNI) Civil Aviation Minister Praful Patel said the 'Gujarat Gaurav Award' is as prestigious as the Dada Saheb Phalke as it helps boost the morale of social workers.

Addressing the 22nd 'Gujarat Gaurav Awards' here last night, organised by one of the oldest Gujarati community 'Bruhad Mumbai Gujarati Samaj' along with 113 affiliated organisations, Mr Patel urged the Non-Government Organisations (NGOs) to come forward and work for the betterment of the society.

Well known social personalities, who have worked in various arena of the society like art, culture, public service, spirituality and business were felicitated with the Gujarat Gaurav Award 2007.

Noted global spiritual leader Purushottampriydasji Maharaj was one of the recipients of the awards for his contribution towards the upliftment of the Gujarati community.

Meanwhile, Maharashtra Deputy Chief Minister R R Patil assimilated the awards' prestige with two mountain series - Western Ghats, Sahyadri in Maharashtra and Girnar in Gujarat - and asserted that these two mountains can form an equivalent to another Himalayas.

Mr Patil said the Gujarati community has been receiving laurels across the globe for their good work. ''Even Sunita Williams,'' who created a world record in space walking, belongs to Gujarat, he added.

Presently, over 10 per cent industrial growth in the state has been possible because of big contributions from Gujarati industrialists, Mr Patil asserted.